Poland as a Leader in Food Exports in Europe

Poland has maintained its position as one of the largest food exporters in Europe for years. In 2023, the value of Polish agri-food exports reached 51.8 billion EUR, and in 2024, this trend continues despite a slowdown in growth dynamics. Which sectors play a significant role? What are the key export markets?

Poland as an Export Powerhouse in the Agri-Food Sector

Poland has been strengthening its position as one of the key players in the European food market for years. The agri-food sector has become a pillar of the national economy, with its share in total exports steadily increasing. Each year, the value of exported food products reaches new record highs, proving not only the growing demand for Polish products but also their high quality and competitiveness in foreign markets.

Dynamic Growth in the Value of Polish Exports

In recent years, Poland has recorded significant growth in agri-food exports. According to trade.gov.pl data, in 2022, the export value amounted to 47.9 billion EUR, rising to 51.8 billion EUR in 2023 – an increase of 8.1% compared to the previous year. Despite a slightly slower growth rate, in 2024 (data for the period January-November), exports reached 49.2 billion EUR, representing a 2.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

This dynamic growth of the export sector is driven by several factors. Polish food is valued for its quality, competitive prices, and modern production methods that meet strict EU standards. Additionally, Poland’s well-developed logistics network and strategic geographic location facilitate intensive trade with Europe’s largest economies, such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

The Significance of Agri-Food Exports in the Polish Economy

Food exports play a crucial role in the Polish economy. According to gov.pl data, agri-food products currently account for approximately 14.7% of Poland’s total exports, placing the country among the top food exporters in Europe. Notably, the export value in this sector has increased tenfold over the past two decades.

This sector not only contributes to economic growth but also ensures stability in the labor market. The agri-food industry employs hundreds of thousands of people, from farmers to logistics and international sales specialists. At the same time, the growing presence of Polish products in foreign markets enhances the recognition of the “Made in Poland” brand as a symbol of quality and culinary tradition.

Despite challenges such as rising production costs and changing EU regulations, Poland’s food industry continues to expand. Further market expansion and investments in innovation may allow Poland to maintain its position as one of Europe’s leading food exporters.

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What Does Poland Sell to the World? Key Polish Export Products

As previously highlighted, Polish food enjoys global recognition due to its quality, competitive prices, and high production standards. The agri-food sector includes a wide range of products, from meat and grain products to fruits and vegetables. In 2023, the largest share of exports came from meat, grains, tobacco products, and dairy products.

Key Product Categories

According to the latest statistics, Polish food exports in 2023 were valued at 51.8 billion EUR, with several key product groups forming the core of this trade, including:

  1. Meat and meat products9.9 billion EUR, accounting for 19% of total agri-food exports. Poland is one of the leading suppliers of pork and beef to the European market and a top exporter of poultry meat.
  2. Grain and grain products7.6 billion EUR (15%). High-quality wheat, corn, and flour are mainly exported to EU countries, as well as to Africa and Asia.
  3. Tobacco and tobacco products5.4 billion EUR (11%). Poland is one of Europe’s largest cigarette producers, and the export of tobacco products has long been an essential part of Poland’s foreign trade.
  4. Dairy products3.5 billion EUR (7%). Polish dairies supply cheese, powdered milk, and yogurts to many countries, especially Germany, the Czech Republic, and Italy.
  5. Fruits, vegetables, and their processed products5.1 billion EUR (10%). Poland is well-known for exporting frozen fruits, juices, and vegetable-based products to markets worldwide.

These five categories alone constitute nearly 60% of the total value of agri-food exports.

Poland: A Leader in Poultry Production in Europe

One of the biggest success stories in Poland’s food industry is its dominance in the poultry market. Poland has long maintained its position as the largest poultry producer in the European Union, with exports continuing to grow. In 2023, a significant portion of Polish poultry was shipped to EU countries, mainly Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Both fresh and frozen poultry products are in high demand.

Poland’s poultry industry stands out due to modern production technologies and high food safety standards, making Polish poultry highly sought-after even outside Europe, including in Asia and the Middle East.

A Strong Position in the Fruit and Vegetable Market

Poland is also a powerhouse in the fruit and vegetable sector, particularly in the production of apples, cherries, and raspberries. In 2023, apple exports exceeded 900,000 tons, confirming Poland’s status as one of Europe’s top apple exporters (gov.pl data). This strong market position has also influenced international food exhibitions. In 2025, the organizers of the WorldFood Poland trade fair will launch the FRESH Island initiative – a specially designed exhibition space aimed at promoting Polish fruits and vegetables on the international stage.

Polish apples are mainly exported to EU markets, but they also reach Asia and the Middle East. Fruit preserves such as juices, jams, and concentrates are widely recognized for their quality and natural taste. Another growing sector is frozen fruit exports, which have become a significant part of Poland’s foreign trade in recent years. However, Poland’s export market is not just about fruit. The country is also a major producer and exporter of vegetables, including carrots, onions, cabbage, and various processed vegetable products.

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Key Export Markets – Who Buys Polish Food?

Thanks to high product quality, competitive prices, and modern technologies, Polish food has enjoyed strong international demand for years. This, in turn, translates into a growing export value. As a result, Polish producers are gaining an increasing share in global trade. The European Union remains the primary market, accounting for the majority of Poland’s food exports. However, non-European markets, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Turkey, are becoming increasingly significant.

European Union Countries

The European Union is by far the most important destination for Polish food exports. According to biznes.pap.pl, in 2024, 74% of Poland’s total agri-food exports went to EU countries, generating 36.3 billion EUR in revenue. The largest trading partner is Germany, which imported 12.4 billion EUR worth of Polish food products in 2024, making it the biggest buyer of Polish food.

Beyond Germany, other significant EU importers include:

Poland’s strong position in the EU market is due to several factors, including geographical proximity, high production standards, and attractive pricing. Polish exporters effectively leverage the EU’s free trade policies to expand their presence in member states’ markets.

Non-European Markets

Although the EU remains the primary export destination, Polish producers are increasingly expanding into non-European markets. In recent years, trade with the United Kingdom, Ukraine, the United States, and Turkey has grown significantly.

Exports to Asia and Africa are also on the rise, although they still represent a relatively small share of total exports. Polish companies are working to expand sales to countries like China, the United Arab Emirates, and India, where demand for premium and organic products is growing.

Further expansion into non-European markets requires carefully planned and strategic actions, such as adapting the product range to local requirements, meeting international quality standards, and investing in the promotion of the “Made in Poland” brand worldwide. Despite these challenges, Polish exporters are increasingly venturing into new markets, which could contribute to further growth in food exports in the coming years.

Poland – A Rapidly Growing Food Market. Discover Its Potential at WorldFood Poland!

As one of the largest food exporters in Europe, Poland offers vast opportunities for producers and distributors in the agri-food sector. Now is the perfect time to explore the potential of this industry and establish valuable business connections. The WorldFood Poland 2025 trade fair provides an excellent opportunity for food industry professionals. In a specially designed area, FRESH Island, visitors will be able to discover a wide selection of Polish fruits and vegetables. Don’t miss the chance to grow your business – visit WorldFood Poland and see for yourself why Poland is one of the most promising food markets in Europe!

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